Have you been injured in an auto accident? On top of everything else you’re going through, you could be worried about the medical bills piling up in your mailbox.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Tampa car accident lawyers represent people just like you. We completely understand the stress you’re under.
We want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (813) 553-5352 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Tampa car accident lawyer today.
Let’s take a closer look at how your medical bills will be paid after an injury wreck.
Dollars and Cents
To begin, a few fast facts:
- Claims for bodily injury average around $15,000
- Nearly half of all accidents are paid for by private insurance.
- Even if you aren’t involved in an accident, you are still paying for one in the way of increased premiums and taxes.
The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident in South Florida is to seek medical attention. The first responders at the scene will perform an initial assessment which may need to be followed by a trip to the hospital.
If you aren’t taken to the hospital, it’s a good idea to visit your family doctor within 48 hours of your accident. Your injuries need to be evaluated by a medical professional. You may require imaging and laboratory testing.
Neglecting to seek medical attention following an accident is a mistake. Not only do you hurt your chances of proving a lawsuit in the future, but you could have injuries that don’t make themselves apparent right away.
No matter where you receive medical attention, the bills will be on their way soon after. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Tampa car accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We will work to ensure that your medical bills are taken care of, and help restore your pre-accident financial status.
As your medical bills begin to mount, it’s imperative that you explore your options. Here are a few ways that you can get your bills paid before your lawsuit is settled.
Car Insurance
Every driver in the state of Florida is required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Part of your insurance coverage must include at least $10,000 in PIP. Even if you’re at fault for the car accident, this coverage will help cover the cost of your medical bills.
However, there are a couple of things to note. PIP will only cover 80% of your medical bills and only if those injuries are considered an emergency. If your injuries are not considered an emergency, you will only receive $2,500 toward the cost of your medical care.
You should also note that PIP only pays for traditional treatments. If you choose to have acupuncture, for example, you’ll be paying for it on your own.
Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, either privately or through an employer, it can be used to pay for the injuries you sustain in a wreck. You will have to pay your copays and deductibles as you usually would in a medical situation, but most of your bills will be covered.
However, using your health insurance to pay for your medical bills following a car accident isn’t cut and dry. You can only use your health insurance to pay for things that are covered by your policy. Let’s say that you are taken by an ambulance to the hospital but an ambulance ride isn’t covered in your policy. You’ll be paying for the ambulance ride on your own.
Know that you may be forced to reimburse your insurance company should you win a settlement in a lawsuit. This isn’t always the case, but it does happen. Don’t let that stop you from using your insurance to cover your bills!
Paying Privately
What if you don’t have health insurance? What if the other party’s insurance refuses to provide payment? In either of these cases, you may find yourself paying out-of-pocket for your medical bills.
Speak to your healthcare providers if you are paying for your bills on your own. They may allow you to make small payments or none at all pending the outcome of your settlement. Don’t be afraid to speak up on your behalf!
It may be possible to secure a loan to help pay your medical bills. A word of caution: Don’t fall for predatory lending practices. Putting yourself in a financial hole you can’t climb out of is never a good idea.
You can also ask friends and family if you can borrow money until your settlement comes in. This may not be the most desirable way to cover your medical expenses, but it could be what you need in a pinch.
How a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
You’ve sustained an injury, your car is damaged and you’re going to miss time at work. The absolute last thing you should have to worry about is the money it takes to get the treatment you need.
At Steinger, Green & Feiner, we know that you are overwhelmed and anxious. We know that you are worried about how you will provide for yourself and your family in the weeks and months to come. Our Tampa car accident lawyers are ready to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
If we believe that you have a case, we will let you know what we can do for you. If we think the settlement offer you have received from the insurance company is fair, we’ll tell you that, too. Contact us online or call our office today at (813) 553-5352 to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.